ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get one's act together

idiom
Meaning

To become serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.


Origin

disputed origin

Figuratively, a comparison with the achieved result and the preparation involved in creating, producing, rehearsing, and polishing a theatrical act or similar performance.

Examples
SIMPLE

You need to get your act together before the exam.

CONTEXTUAL

If he does not get his act together soon, he will lose his job.

COMPLEX

After years of aimless wandering, she finally decided to get her act together and pursue a serious career in medicine.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act of Congress

    An authorization that is extremely difficult to obtain, especially in a timely fashion.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    act out

    To perform something specific.

  7. 07

    act the hypocrite

    To behave deceitfully or hypocritically; to dissemble.

  8. 08

    act up

    To misbehave; to cause trouble.

© 2026 English Reference